Trap Shooting Shotgun Fit & Point of Impact Deep Dive - Trap Talk E54

Hosts: Zach Nini & Richard Marshall Jr.
Release Date: December 29, 2023

Introduction to Gun Fit and Point of Impact

In Episode E54 of Trap Talk From The Back Fence, hosts Zach Nini and Richard Marshall Jr. delve deep into the intricacies of shotgun fit and point of impact, providing valuable insights for both novice and seasoned trap shooters.

Zach Nini begins the discussion by emphasizing the importance of gun weight and balance in achieving optimal performance. He states, "You can never really spend too much time on weight, point of impact setup, spending the time to get it done properly." [00:12]

Understanding Point of Impact

Richard Marshall Jr. shares his personal journey, highlighting how his perception of point of impact evolved from using hunting guns to trap guns. He explains, "Set the gun up to where you're breaking the target. And then you worry about the point impact." [02:24] This approach underscores the significance of aligning the gun's point of impact with the shooter's vision of the target break.

Zach Nini further clarifies this concept by differentiating between numerical point of impact (e.g., "100 high") and practical visibility. He references Bobby Chambers, mentioning the effective setup at the 27-yard line, "where you want it to be most effective." [03:36] For newcomers, Richard recommends starting at closer distances, such as 16 to 20 yards, before progressing to longer ranges.

Gun Setup and Adjustment

The hosts discuss the importance of a “true figure eight” rib setup, which allows shooters to maintain consistent eye alignment and target visibility. Richard advises, "set it up to where you have a true figure 8. You're seeing stack beads." [05:15] This setup helps prevent common issues like covering the right eye or losing sight of the target.

Zach adds, "true figure eight is so powerful. It allows you to flow through over the top," highlighting the ergonomic benefits of this configuration. They also touch upon the necessity of adjustable combs to accommodate different eye relief preferences, emphasizing that even minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements in target acquisition.

Balancing Gun Weight

A significant portion of the episode focuses on gun balance. Richard advocates for balancing the gun between the hands to ensure smooth movement and control. He explains, "if you have a butt-heavy stock, it's real whippy. If the barrel is heavyweight, it's real sluggish." [15:53] This balance ensures that both hands work harmoniously during the shot process.

Zach shares his experiences with different gun weights, comparing lighter models like the TM1 to heavier ones. He humorously notes, "It's like the difference between a Toyota Corolla and a train," illustrating how momentum affects handling and shot stability. This comparison underscores the practical implications of gun weight on shooting performance.

Practical Tips for Shooters

The hosts offer actionable advice for shooters looking to optimize their shotgun setup:

1. Consistent Mounting: Richard emphasizes the importance of muscle memory in mounting the gun consistently, preferably using a mirror at home for practice. "Mount that gun 100, 200 times to get where you can consistently mount it in the same spot." [05:15]

2. Proper Ammo Selection: Zach warns against using overly powerful shells for beginners, recommending starting with lighter loads to build proficiency before transitioning to heavier ones. "Shoot light loads until you need heavy loads." [21:04]

3. Adjusting Eye Relief: Both hosts stress the critical nature of proper eye relief. Zach recounts a personal experience where improper eye relief led to compromised target visibility: "I was lifting my head because I was losing vision." [22:23]

4. Gun Fit Customization: Richard advocates for tailoring gun fit to individual preferences and requirements. He shares anecdotes of adjusting stocks and balances to achieve optimal performance, underscoring that even minor tweaks can have substantial effects on shooting accuracy.

Common Mistakes and Solutions

The conversation highlights frequent errors shooters make concerning gun fit and point of impact:

• Incorrect Eye Positioning: Many shooters fail to see the target properly due to improper eye placement behind the rib. Richard points out, "If you can't see, you can't break a target." [07:50]

• Over-Reliance on Numerical Settings: Relying solely on numerical point of impact settings without understanding their practical implications can lead to inconsistencies. Zach notes, "This is that point of Impact that you might have shot with the last gun. That doesn't mean that this is the point of impact for this gun." [21:32]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up the episode, Richard encourages shooters to take the time to set up their guns meticulously, avoiding the temptation to overlook adjustments due to cost or convenience. He emphasizes the long-term benefits of proper setup, both in performance and cost savings from reduced shell waste.

Zach echoes this sentiment, reinforcing the episode's core message: meticulous attention to gun fit and point of impact is essential for consistent and successful trap shooting.

Notable Quotes:

• Zach Nini: "You can never really spend too much time on weight, point of impact setup, spending the time to get it done properly." [00:12]

• Richard Marshall Jr.: "Set the gun up to where you're breaking the target. And then you worry about the point impact." [02:24]

• Zach Nini: "True figure eight is so powerful. It allows you to flow through over the top." [05:15]

• Richard Marshall Jr.: "If you have a butt-heavy stock, it's real whippy. If the barrel is heavyweight, it's real sluggish." [15:53]

• Zach Nini: "Shoot light loads until you need heavy loads." [21:04]

This episode serves as an invaluable resource for trap shooters seeking to refine their equipment setup and enhance their shooting accuracy. By blending personal anecdotes with practical advice, Zach and Richard provide a comprehensive guide to mastering gun fit and point of impact.